Ethel Jaragoske
September 25, 1926 ~ November 1, 2015
View Ethel's Tribute Video
Ethel Jaragoske, 89, of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 1, 2015 at her home.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial followed at the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2015 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.
Ethel was born on Sept. 25, 1926, on a farm near Lebanon, to Henry and Cornelia (Schotsman) Jager. She was the youngest of 11 children.
When Ethel was 10 years old she moved to Gettysburg with her parents. She went to school through the 8th grade, but when her mother passed away she quit to stay home and keep house for her father. She also did housekeeping for other families.
In 1945 she started working at the Ringneck Café, and worked until she married Robert (Buster) Jaragoske on April 12, 1947 at Pierre, SD. They lived on a farm for two years, and then they moved into Agar, SD. In 1959 they made their home in Gettysburg.
In 1965 she returned to working in cafes. She worked at the Busy Bee, Medicine Rock, and the Firehouse Bar & Lounge, returning to the Medicine Rock Café until minor health problems forced her to retire after 30 years of café work.
Shortly after that she was employed with Experience Works (Green Thumb) and did housekeeping for the Senior Center. She was then assigned to the Activity Department at the Oahe Manor for two years. She retired in June of 2009 from the Gettysburg Nutrition Site where she worked as a kitchen helper.
Ethel enjoyed going to dances with her husband of 59 yrs.; cooking and baking for her family, Sunday was always fried chicken; going to Battler ball games; word search puzzles; and going to garage and auction sales. For years she baked and decorated cakes for many occasions, with the help of her daughter. She especially enjoyed decorating her yard for Halloween and Christmas.
Ethel’s greatest wish was for her children to “Stay a Family” and the hope that her family will remember that she was proud of them, and loved each and every one of them.
Her life will be cherished by her sons: Richard (Cathryn) Jaragoske of Sioux Falls, Larry (Tammie) Jaragoske of Aberdeen, daughters: Nadine (Steve) Glaesman of Gettysburg, Kristi Jaragoske of Sioux Falls, and Lori (Craig) Hunnel of Gettysburg; 23 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
Ethel didn’t like to read, but she did read one book more than once, and it was “Heaven is For Real.” She knew that her parents; husband, Buster; siblings: Lyize Muilenberg, Henry Jager, Tracey Wager, Garrett (Dutch) Jager, Oscar Jager, Benjamin Jager, Alburtus (Burt) Jager, Henry (Hank) Jager, Cornelia (Granny) Thompson, and John Jager; and grandsons, Justin Hunnel and Zachary Glaesman will be waiting for her in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Methodist Building Fund, Keep Hope Local, Inc., Disabled American Veterans or the American Heart Association.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Ethel’s arrangements.




Dear Kristi, So sorry for your loss. It’s not easy to say goodbye to our Moms. I won’t be able to attend services, but know if you want to talk, just call or text. Take care my friend!
I love you Grandma…it has been an honor & privilege being your eldest grandchild, thank you for loving me so very much! Please give Grandpa & Zach a hug n kiss for me….see you again in Heaven!
Larry, Tammie and family So sorry to hear about Ethel’s passing. Keep your memories close and lean on family and friends for support. We will keep you in our prayers. Let us know if you need anything. Love you all Marva, Steven and family
Larry, Tammie and Jaragoske Family, I just wanted to express my condolences at the passing of Ethel. Her passing will forever leave a void in your hearts as she was a loving woman who touched the hearts of those who knew her. Even in your sorrow you are truly blessed to call Ethel "Mom, Grandmother and Friend" and you will have memories that will dwell in your hearts and minds forever of the many special times you shared with her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time. With Deepest Sympathy, Mary & Terry Robinson
She was a great lady.
She was a great lady. So sad to hear the news.
She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. I know that she is in a great place looking down on all.
So sorry for your loss prayers to the family suzmarie squires and jim kircher
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family at this time.
What a wonderful lady Ethel was, She always had a smile on her face and love in her heart.
Larry, Tammie & family, & all the Jaragoske family – we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Ethel. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you to comfort all of you. Keep your memories close to your heart. Hugs to all of you. Char, Craig & Casey Keller
Larry, Tammie, and family – We are so sorry to hear of Ethel’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
My sympathy and prayers to all. It is difficult to lose a mother. May God be with you as you say good-bye.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I wish I was able to make it. I have such great memories of sunday fried chicken dinners, staying at the house when we would come visit with grandma and grandpa. Fourth of July get togethers. Great aunt Ethel will be greatly missed. Hugs to you all..
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Ethel. She was a wonderful person who did so much for her family and many others. May God give you all comfort and peace as you share memories and say good-bye to mother, grandmother, and friend. Celebrate a life well lived. Oh, that we all may have this said of us when our time to leave this earth comes. May the angels welcome her home and grant her eternal joy. We are praying for all of you.
You are in thoughts and Prayers. Ethel was a wonderful person and will be missed.
To all of our many friends in the Jaragoske family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Ethel was a wonderful lady and she raised a wonderful family.